"Terrible experience with the doctor"

I recently saw a particular doctor at Fitzroy Crossing Hospital for the second time. I had had bloods and urine done and the doctor said to come back for the results. I went back and they said I am pre-diabetic. I said ok and asked what that meant and the doctor replied that they didn’t have time to tell me as this is a 20-minute appointment. I was then told that if I was seeing this doctor privately, it would cost a few hundred dollars. I asked what to do about being pre-diabetic and the doctor said they would do a referral. I then asked for the referral and the doctor said they would do it and send it directly there.

The previous time that I went, I told this doctor that I have emphysema and am on a drug for the rest of my life called ‘Trelegy’. At my second visit, I had one puffer left to last me one month. My specialist prescribes it for 6 months. This doctor said that they weren’t giving me anything. I offered to connect the doctor with my lung specialist but they did not do so. I felt the doctor challenged me about my emphysema medication. I told the doctor that this is dangerous for my health and my lung specialist said I have to stay on it for the rest of my life. I have to get my lungs flushed in hospital and feel so vulnerable.

The doctor then took my blood pressure and it was very high. I told the doctor it was high because they put patients at risk.

I have also had a prolapse operation and have to use internal cream (Ovestin) until I have another operation. I provided the doctor with the empty box as I needed more. This doctor said they haven’t got time as they haven’t been home to their home country for a long time. I then felt they challenged me about my medication – the cream.

In my opinion, the doctor was obstinate. They said that they were a doctor and that they weren’t stupid even if I thought they were. I answered that I didn’t think for one minute that they were stupid. I told the doctor they were disturbing me because my health is at stake. I am the patient. I need this cream and it disturbs me when I come here.

I asked the doctor to tell me what to do and I was told I was taking up the doctor’s time by talking.

I work in an Indigenous community. The doctor asked me if I have a problem with people outside of themselves. The appointment ended with the doctor saying that they never want to see me as a patient again. I answered that I never want to have them as a doctor again.

I also had a cough but was too afraid to tell the doctor too much about it. I did ask if I needed antibiotics and was told that was for another appointment.

I felt like crying when I left and sicker afterwards than before. In my opinion, this doctor is a detriment to my health.